A pain in the hip: causes of hip joint problems



Hip joint problems are a common complaint, particularly among the elderly and among those who exercise to a very high degree. Sedentary people are also prone to hip problems. Many hip problems are due to the hip bone grinding inside the hip joint. This problem can be aggravated by high levels of exertion, such as long distance running, and by age, as the cushioning that protects the bone can gradually wear down over time. People with back problems or who are overweight may also find that they suffer from hip joint problems, as this can result in extra pressure being put on the hip joint, causing pain and inflammation.



While many of the different causes of hip pain are related to the hip joint, which is a complex ball and socket joint, it is also possible that the muscles and tissues around the joint are contributing to your hip pain. Remember that your hips are quite a complex part of your body, and that your hip has to work in tandem with a variety of other muscles, ligaments, and tendons. If any of these is being put under under stress or pressure, it can result in pain not only in that area, but around the local hip area as well.

One major cause of hip problems is inflammation. To move around inside the hip socket, the ball of your femur needs room to move. However, the hip joint is actually quite a narrow space. If there is any inflammation around this joint, the hip has limited room to move. This can result in the joint grinding about in its socket, resulting in pain and irritation. While swelling due to fluid or blood in the hip joint is one of the major causes of hip pain, hip joint pain can also be caused by the head of the femur being worn or ground down over time. The head of the femur is naturally ridged in order to reduce the amount of friction caused when it moves in the hip socket. However, as people age, or as the bone wears done from general wear and tear, this friction can increase, resulting in hip joint pain.